How do you unclog a shower drain?

Going down through the roof vent is not the best idea in this instance. It is almost certain that the problem is hair in the trap of the shower drain. You did not mention if this is a shower stall or a tub/shower. If it is a shower stall, you should be able to remove the drain strainer and easily snake the drain to remove the obstruction. I'm betting that you have a tub/shower. In this case, the tub stopper mechanism is usually the culprit. The tub stopper can usually be removed by unscrewing the lever mechanism in the overflow recess. You shouldn't encounter any problems removing and reinstalling this mechanism. Once you remove it, you may find that hair has wrapped itself around the mechanism and removing the hair will usually solve your problem. Before you put it back together, check to see that it drains freely. If it doesn't, now is the time to snake the drain. Tub drains are usually close to the plumbing stack and I have often used a coat hanger to remove the obstruction. Use a light guage wire coathanger and bend a small hook in the end you insert into the drain. You may be amazed at what you will pull out of a slow drain. Be careful not to get the hanger caught in the drain to the point that you cannot get it back out or you will probably have to hire a plumber to fix it. Renting a snake will be the safe method if you are apprehensive about using the hanger. Good luck with your plumbing repair.

Go to Lowe's or home Depot and get a "Zip-It" drain cleaner. No chemicals, no corrosives, just stick it in, and zip it back out. I keep a couple around for spares.

Try Hair & Gum Remover (this is a real product) In black bottle available at local hardware stores. This is much better than Drano :) Good Luck

No you won't be wasting Draino. It will still work on the clog but better yet get a Gel drain opener. Being thicker it adheres to the clog better.

First take some duct tape and tape off the water overflow drain hole. Tubs usually have one down where you operate the stopper for the main drain that's plugged up. It may be hidden somewhat though under the fixture. Shower stalls may not have an overflow drain hole, so in that case you won't need the duct tape. Then go to the hardware store and buy a quality "plumber's helper" which is the classic rubber suction cup type plunger with a wooden handle on it. Now next time you take a shower or bath, bring the plunger with you and when the water starts backing up real good, simply place the plunger over the drain hole and plunge repeatedly and vigorously. You have to make sure you don't force the main drain plug closed by holding the lever that controls it in the open position. I've never had a backed up drain in a sink, toilet or bathtub that I couldn't clear with a plumber's helper plunger as described. Also, you want the water covering the plunger head so that a good vacuum suction is created to loosen the stuff blocking the drain. PS, And no dangerous chemicals to worry about!

- Pour drano or similar stuff. - Wait for 30 minutes. - Plunger action.

I just did it this morning... coincidence. What I do is: 1) cover the drain so no water can drain and fill as much as you can in the shower but do not let it go onto your floor (natually).... THEN I take a toilet plunger, remove the cover over the drain and then PLUNGE PLUNGE PLUNGE and you would be surprised at the GUNK that comes out. THEN: 2) follow it up with a good liquid plumber (the foamy tupe). I am sure you will have no problems after that... IF YOU DO, then the plumber to be called in and HOPE that there are not any tree roots causing problems if you have trees growing relatively close to the house.. tree roots are devastating.

Try Liquid Plumber gel first, pour it in and let it sit overnight if you can. Then flush it thouroly with what temp. water is recommended on the bottle. DO NOT PLUNGE THE DRAIN WITH DRAIN CLEANER IN IT-IT CAN SPLASH BACK AND CAUSE CHEMICAL BURNS. See how that works. If it is still clogging or running slow, try plunging it, but block off the vent hole with a damp rag to get better suction. then put some water in the tub and plunge it good. Renting a small diameter flexable snake/auger will help to clear it and the sides of the pipes, too.

Pour in Soda Bicarb then pour in hot water.